Extração de compostos fenólicos do bagaço do caju (Anacardium occidentale L.) visando aplicação cosmética

Abstract

The cashew apple bagasse (CAB) is an agroindustrial byproduct composed of lignocellulose and serves as a significant source of phenolic compounds. In this context, the aim was to obtain a phenolic-rich extract using CAB for cosmetic applications. CAB underwent pretreatments with liquid hot water (LHW) and steam explosion (SE), characterized by FTIR, XRD, and lignocellulosic composition. Subsequently, enzymatic-assisted extraction (EAE) of pre-treated CAB was assessed using a cellulolytic cocktail. The effects of enzyme load, solid load, and incubation time were optimized through a 23 central composite rotational design. Extracts were evaluated for phenolic composition, in vitro and cellular antioxidant activity, sugar content, in vitro sun protection factor (SPF), and cytotoxicity. Results demonstrated structural modifications in the residue through the removal of amorphous fractions. The HW pretreatment combined with enzymatic extraction facilitated phenolic release (75.13 ± 3.5 mg GAE/L) and enhanced antioxidant activity (72.81% for DPPH and 241.04 ± 1.7 µM EQ Trolox/L for ABTS). Furthermore, the extract was non-toxic, with cellular viability exceeding 95% in MRC-5. Statistical design indicated optimal conditions of 80 h incubation and 8% solid load. The cashew extract exhibited cellular antioxidant activity (36.03% inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species) and indications of solar photoprotection (SPF 6.4). Therefore, obtaining a cashew extract proves promising for anti-aging cosmetic formulations.